Do you need an additional firewall when you have a router?

HC_2

I have one desktop hard-wired to a Netgear router.

And one desktop and one laptop connected wirelessly.

Do I need to run a firewall (I use ZoneAlarm Pro) on the wireless desktop and laptop, or will the router protect me?

tom9980

The router will protect you from the 99.9*% of incoming threats. The Software firewall will help protect that PC or laptop from most outgoing threats but if your savvy and dont go to certain types of websites and dont install programs without understanding what they may be installing then this shouldnt be an issue for most people.

HC_2

Thanks, Tom.

I have quite a lot of trouble with my wireless connections, as some of the very helpful techies on here will know.

Both wireless desktop and laptop refused to connect to the Internet this morning, despite working normally last night. I rebooted the router, did all the usual things. Each PC told me my connection was perfect, and I could ping the router with no problem.

As a last resort I turned ZA off, and hey presto. I turned it back on, and there was no connection again. The IP addresses are in the trusted zone and, as I said, they worked fine yesterday.

I'll uninstall it from what you say. We don't tend to frequent dodgy sites, and I'm careful about what I download.

isofa

HC wrote: »

<snip>
Both wireless desktop and laptop refused to connect to the Internet this morning, despite working normally last night. I rebooted the router, did all the usual things. Each PC told me my connection was perfect, and I could ping the router with no problem.

As a last resort I turned ZA off, and hey presto. I turned it back on, and there was no connection again. The IP addresses are in the trusted zone and, as I said, they worked fine yesterday.

Sounds like this problem here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=12349151

HC_2

Yes, I have allowed updates to be installed this morning.

I knew that one of the Windows updates can cause problems, but on this laptop I downloaded that patch that prevents it being installed, so I didn't think it was that.

I've turned Windows firewall back on, and will uninstall ZA if you people think that's not dangerous.

HC_2

isofa wrote: »

Sounds like this problem here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=12349151

Looking at that thread, it recommends uninstalling KB951748.

However, in Add/Remove Programs, I don't have that update. The one I have is KB893803.

But I've adjusted the ZA slider to medium and it now seems to work fine without me having to uninstall ZA.

Once again, thanks so much for your help. This board is a fantastic source of expertise.